The Coming Back Out Ball

The Coming Back Out Ball is inspired by research revealing that some LGBTI elders conceal their sexual orientation or gender identity when they access aged care services – because they believe they are not safe. These LGBTI elders have lived through a time when being LGBTI could result in imprisonment, enforced medical ‘cures’, loss of employment and rejection by family and friends. For many of these elders (the first generation to fight for LGBTI equality) impending old age means going back into the closet, or risk being deprived of companionship and quality care when they need it most.

But much has changed over the course of LGBTI elders lifetime in Victoria. The State Government has expunged gay convictions and apologised to older gay men for the treatment they received. Aged care service providers are embracing strategies to become more LGBTI inclusive and Victoria will soon receive Australia’s first LGBTI Pride Centre. The Coming Back Out Ball augments research and social services, by providing a public celebration and declaration to LGBTI elders of their worth and value, acknowledging their experience and rich lives. Our aim is that The Coming Back Out Ball empowers LGBTI elders to assert their social agency, value and worth within a mainstream and ageist paradigm.

The long-term vision is that The Coming Back Out Ball becomes a much-loved annual event on Melbourne’s social calendar; understood for its inclusivity and cultural significance.

The Coming Back Out Ball was presented as a premiere event of the 2017 Victorian Seniors Festival in association with the 3rd National LGBTI Ageing and Aged Care Conference (Val’s LGBTI Ageing and Aged Care).

Funded by the Australian Government through the Australia Council, its arts funding and advisory body, City of Melbourne, Margaret Lawrence Bequest and Victorian State Government.